2018-02-19 (M) Oversize Clipboard COMPLETED

At my work, I regularly use 11" x 17" paper sheets for drawings. They don't fit on a standard clipboard, and it's a pain to fold them in half because I can't see the whole drawing at once. Tabloid (11x17) clipboards exist, but I didn't want to pay what they cost so I never gave it much thought. When I got access to a laser engraver, I decided it was time to make a clipboard.

Admittedly, this is not a groundbreaking creation, it's not unique or original, but I spent some time on it, so I am posting it here.

Enough background
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Clipboard clips were ordered. An outline was drawn for the clipboard in blue which would be the cutting lines. These dimensions would allow a tabloid-size drawing to fit without excessive wood on any side. Holes were also done in blue at the spacing needed for the clips ordered from Amazon. A hanging hole was added to the top as part of the shape.

A red pattern was cut purely for aesthetics because there was no reason not to decorate the back of the board. When printed, this would all be seen from the bottom. Blank spaces were left in the middle to add text. The text was easier to add in the laser controller program, and it will allow anyone who downloads the CAD files to add her/his own.

CAD view of clipboard design

A piece of plywood large enough for the clipboard was cut on the machine. Reasonable values for the machine and wood were selected, but the process took thirty minutes. The hatch pattern was the most time-consuming. The outline and holes took approximately one minute to cut.

Result of laser cutting

A stain/polyurethane mixture was selected to protect and color the board. Baltic birch plywood was used for the body which absorbed the stain quickly. In the end, the stain was darker than desired but still a nice color. A disposable foam brush was used to apply the stain/polyurethane.

Staining backside

When the polyurethane was dry, a riveting tool and rivets were used to hold the clip in place. Nothing special was done for this step. The clips came with rivets but I wasn't sure how to attach them, so I used pop rivets available at the hackspace.

Riveting clip in place

This was a simple project, but I'm pleased with the outcome. Hopefully, the clipboard will inspire other people at my work to invest in their own or at least make them envious. Don't worry, I didn't post any sensitive work data in the picture below. It's just a one-shot timer circuit I sketched.

Tabloid clipboard with tabloid paper

Vector files for Tabloid Clipboard

More COMPLETED project have been arranged by date.

First time here?

Completed projects from year 1.

Completed projects from year 2.

Completed projects from year 3.

Completed projects from year 4.

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2018-02-18 (Su)

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